New guidance on health and safety of young workers

The HSE has published revised guidance for employers about the health and safety of young workers. Other new publications that may be of interest to workplace managers and employers include a fact sheet on the use of biocidal products (for example, pesticides), and a leaflet on the use of protective gloves.

Young people at work: a guide for employers (HSG165)

ISBN 0717618897,£7.95

"This revised guide is aimed at all employers who employ or are considering taking on young people. Young people, especially those new to the workplace, will be facing unfamiliar risks from the job they will be doing and from the working environment. They are seen particularly at risk because of their possible lack of awareness of existing or potential risks, immaturity and inexperience. The guide outlines the legal responsibilities of employers under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which give employers particular responsibilities towards young people they employ."

Young workers are those over the minimum school leaving age but under 18.

Biocidal Products Directive (BPD), Fact sheet no.7

"Fact sheet providing briefing on the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD), 98/8/EC for the makers, suppliers and users of active substances and biocidal products. Outlines the progress of the directive in Europe and its implementation in the UK."

Workplace managers can get this leaflet free by calling (0151) 951 3535.

Selecting protective gloves for work with chemicals: guidance for employers and health and safety specialists (INDG330)
ISBN 0717618277, free

"This leaflet is aimed at employers and the self-employed in all industries, particularly those at high risk from skin damage, eg hairdressing, catering, cleaning, construction, engineering, printing, rubber, agriculture, health care and offshore. It advises on selection of chemical protective gloves to protect the wearer from chemical agents. It discusses the law, chemical resistance of protective gloves and selection of gloves."

For more information on or to order the above publications, call the HSE InfoLine on (08701) 545500.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.